Community Corporate Work Day readies Bradshaw for summer programs

Staff members of White County Coal and Spectra Energy were busy assisting City of Carmi workers at Bradshaw Park Thursday, May 2 in preparation for the upcoming sports seasons at Bradshaw/Jaycees Park in Carmi. The day was set aside as Community Corporate Work Day in which businesses provided labor to the volunteer program.

Staff members of White County Coal and Spectra Energy were busy assisting City of Carmi workers at Bradshaw Park Thursday, May 2 in preparation for the upcoming sports seasons at Bradshaw/Jaycees Park in Carmi. The day was set aside as Community Corporate Work Day in which businesses provided labor to the volunteer program.

Crews were scattered throughout the park, working on various projects. Several items were in need of paint and new bench tops were placed along several of the ball fields, replacing old boards that had weathered over the years. The Community Corporate Work Day was organized by Alan Saunders, who also oversees the Carmi Recreational Summer League.

"We are working on several areas today to provide general routine maintenance to help out the city," said Saunders. "We have members from White County Coal and Spectra Energy here working. They will get about an eight hour day in to assist with the project."

Five employees of White County Coal were busy replacing boards on bleachers. Those donating their time included Chris Buchanan, Harvey Hiehaus, Patrick Yates and Jim Brown along with Saunders. Also, a work crew from Spectra Energy, formerly known as Texas Eastern, were working on painting projects on dugouts and other structures in the area. Employees representing the Norris City-based company, included Phil Hoskins, Laura Wall, Matt McCandlish, Kent Sallee, Bart Henson, Tim Connaway and Stan Hill.

"Spectra has had a 'Helping Hands' project for several years," said Hoskins. "Everyone has a day to do community improvements."

Both White County Coal and Spectra Energy joined workers from the City of Carmi and City Supervisor Mike Buckman with the needs of the park. City Welder Mike Combs was working on some metal pieces on benches while Doug Smith, city mechanic, was pitching in as well on various projects. Brad Atteberry of the street department was operating the backhoe to spread gravel along the road that separates the park's ball fields.

The efforts are just in time for the opening day festivities of the CRSL, scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11. All of the kids involved in teams from t-ball through Pony League will be included in a parade that will be led by the Boom Squad of Evansville, Ind. The group is a drum corp and will provide entertainment in support of the kickoff to summer baseball, softball and tball. Following the ceremony, players will break off to their respective fields and begin play for the leagues that stretch into mid June.